March Madness Favorites: Who Are the Favorites to Win the NCAA Tournament Ahead of the Sweet 16?
March Madness Favorites: Who Are the Favorites to Win the NCAA Tournament Ahead of the Sweet 16?
We've made it to the Sweet 16 of the 2023 NCAA Tournament. There is still no overwhelming favorite in the 2023 NCAA Tournament. Still, there are favorites.
Twelve of the last fifteen national champions have been number 1-seeds heading into March Madness. The lowest seed to win the NCAA Tournament was in 1985 when the Villanova Wildcats stunned the world as an 8-Seed.
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Several teams surprised in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. None bigger than the Princeton Tigers. As a 15-seed, they knocked off 2-Seed Arizona in the first round and then 7-seed Missouri in the Round of 32. For the third time in history, a 15-seed has reached the Sweet 16. Florida Gulf Coast was the first in 2013, and Oral Roberts the second in 2021.
It's named "March Madness" for a reason. Anything can happen. Here are the favorites to win this year's NCAA Tournament heading into the Sweet 16.
2023 March Madness Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Houston | +400 |
| Alabama | +400 |
| UCLA | +900 |
| UConn | +1000 |
| Texas | +1100 |
| Gonzaga | +1200 |
| Creighton | +1200 |
| Tennessee | +1400 |
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2023 March Madness Favorites
Houston NCAA Tournament Odds (+400) (Bet $100 to Collect $500) Best Odds Available at BetMGM
Houston opened as the favorites in the NCAA Tournament and remains there entering the Sweet 16. They have everything it takes to lift the National Championship trophy this season. They have a top defense in the nation to go along with their star guard play. The question of the health of guard Marcus Sasser has been answered. He had been battling a groin injury, and his health is no longer questioned. Houston made a statement with their win over Auburn in the Round of 32, and the Cougars will look to make a deep run behind Sasser.
Houston could see Texas in the Elite 8 if both teams survive and advance. This leads us to the Alabama Crimson Tide and why their odds might actually be better than Houston's.
Alabama NCAA Tournament Odds (+400) (Bet $100 to Collect $500) Best Odds Available at BetRivers
The Crimson Tide is the best overall team in the country. They have shown that through the first two rounds. They own one of the best defenses and are led by the likely number two overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, Brandon Miller. This team has dealt with adversity this season and is clearly ready for the big stage. They were the number one overall seed coming into the tournament.
The way the bracket has played out, Alabama won't have to face anything better than a 4-seed in the Sweet 16 or Elite-8. They will face San Diego State in the Sweet 16 and then the winner of Creighton vs. Princeton if they advance. Alabama has an easier path to the Final Four than any other team.
UCLA NCAA Tournament Odds (+900) (Bet $100 to Collect $1,000) Best Odds Available at DraftKings
The Bruins had to battle in Round 32 and now face Gonzaga in the Sweet 16. UCLA is possibly the best defensive team left in the NCAA Tournament. According to KenPom, the Bruins finished as the best overall defense this season. Jaylen Clark, who is arguably the best defender in the country, is out, and this may cause them problems against the like of Drew Timme and the Bulldogs. Mick Cronin is an excellent coach that will find ways to fill the void created by the loss of Clark. UCLA has strong guard play, and if they can advance, a showdown with UConn awaits them in the Elite 8.
UConn NCAA Tournament Odds (+1000) (Bet $100 to Collect $1,100) Best Odds Available at Caesars
The Huskies have been on fire in the tournament's first two rounds. Granted, the competition may not have been as tough as they made easy work of Iona and then Saint Mary's. They will get a young Arkansas team that just knocked off the defending National Champion Jayhawks in the Round of 32. UConn has what it takes to reach the Final Four this year.
Texas NCAA Tournament Odds (+1100) (Bet $100 to Collect $1,200) Best Odds Available at FanDuel
The Texas Longhorns are as well-rounded as it gets. If the Tournament were re-seeded today, Texas would be ranked as a 1-seed. They take on a very tough, well-coached Xavier team in the Sweet 16. A showdown with Houston likely awaits them in the Elite 8. Now is the time to back the Longhorns. If they can get to the Final Four past Houston, they likely will be at least co-favorites to win the NCAA Tournament.